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View Full Version : My Holy Grail Quest Mission Accomplished


71buc
10-04-2012, 11:56 PM
I want to thank all the board members who helped me raise the funds necessary to make this purchase a reality. Thanks to Forever_Young and PhilNap for your photo purchases. My gratitude to John E. Scott, Marlborough_ Man, BKasarda, Bpm0014, Sycks22, and Benderbroeth for buying my cards. You all helped me raise the necessary money, under a very tight deadline (48 hours). I will send all purchased items tomorrow morning. Net54 is my favorite community.

The 1971 Pirates have always been my favorite team and Roberto Clemente my favorite player. I was eight that year and fell hard for baseball because of him and that group of players. I loved them all, Stargell’s bat twirl, Blass’ enthusiasm, Sanguillen’s gap tooth grin, Dave Cash’s fro, and the attitude of Doc Ellis. I still do.

Last year while at PNC I visited the Hunt auction booth. They had for sale the Pirates 1970 NL East Banner which hung in Three Rivers. The asking price was $1400.00. It was an incredible item but I didn’t have the money at the time. Although it was beautiful, passing on it wasn’t too difficult because it was not related to the 1971 Pirates. I told my wife that if I ever could find a similar piece representing the 1971 club I would do whatever was required to obtain it.

This last Monday I was presented with that opportunity. Tonight I purchased the 1971 National League Championship banner that hung in right field at Three Rivers Stadium during Game 3 of the 1971 World Series (see the screen captures below). It's a massive 8ft X 4ft. I know this is not the type of item that would appeal to many others. However, for this Pirate fan to have the opportunity to own the actual 1971 National League Championship banner won by my all-time favorite team, that hung above my childhood hero, during my favorite world series...priceless!

cpbronco
10-05-2012, 01:21 AM
Congrats on the incredible and meaningful piece to your collection. It would be an awesome piece on its own, but hearing how much it means to you and your childhood make it even better. This is what collecting is all about.

thekingofclout
10-05-2012, 01:28 AM
:eek:WoW!:eek: Atta boy Mike, that's the way to pull the trigger! As you know, "The Great One" and his '71 Team were my favs as well. Can't tell you how happy I am for you, Mike. :D

BTW... Please post some scans once you have it displayed in your home.

My best, Jimmy

irishdenny
10-05-2012, 02:20 AM
Thanks Mike...

You have shown me "That whatever it takes" attitude, Can be Just Awesome!
Those Days, "Were the Days"...
They can't take that away from You! And it's NiCe to See the You can even get them back... & keep'em...

Just an Awesome Story... Congratulations Mike, & Thanks for Sharing it with All of uS!

As Always...

mjkm90
10-05-2012, 04:01 AM
Outstanding piece!!!

Scott Garner
10-05-2012, 04:32 AM
Mike,
Many congrats to you on acquiring your Holy Grail!
Way to bring Pittsburgh back home to WA.

Exhibitman
10-05-2012, 06:41 AM
Bravo!

sayhey24
10-05-2012, 06:44 AM
Mike,

That's a beauty!
Very impressive how you did what you had to do on very short notice to snag it.
Although as a young Giants fan, I have to admit I was not too happy with Bob Robertson and the Bucs that year!

Greg

Mark
10-05-2012, 08:22 AM
Very nice item! My favorite Pirates squad, too. My dad took me to game #5 of that series, and it was a wonderful time to be a Pirates fan.

pariah1107
10-05-2012, 09:01 AM
Now THAT is a wall hanging! Congrats Mike!

71buc
10-05-2012, 09:27 AM
Thanks for all of the nice comments. In order to ensure i could obtain it I sold much more of my collection than I needed to. However, I would do it all over again! I don't think framing it is within my means due to the substantial size. Nor do I have a wall large enough to accommodate it or a spouse who would permit such decorating.

GKreindler
10-05-2012, 09:47 AM
Many congratulations, Mike. You must be tickled pink!!!

:)

Graig

whitehse
10-05-2012, 10:06 AM
That is a piece to be proud of. The coolest thing is you have a screen grab from the game, showing where it hung!!

I do not know what you sold to obtain this banner but I think it was well worth it.

Bpm0014
10-05-2012, 10:06 AM
That was originally my banner! I sold it on ebay 2 years ago for the whopping sum of $104. Second biggest mistake I ever made! (the first was selling a pristine Pie Traynor single signed ball for $100 in 1993). But I'm glad the banner went to a good home! Congrats!!

sayhey24
10-05-2012, 11:23 AM
Mike,

Could it hang in the basement or garage? I wouldn't frame it -- that would be expensive and make it very heavy, even if you used acrylic instead of glass. I think it looks great just as is.
What about using a nice photo of the banner, along with a WS screen grab photo and maybe a WS ticket, and frame them altogether for now?

Greg

Runscott
10-05-2012, 12:29 PM
What do you mean 'Accomplished'? - you still have to come up with the bunting that goes behind it, and then a chunk of outfield fence to hang it off of :)

ethicsprof
10-05-2012, 02:59 PM
congratulations!!!
i'm mighty pleased that you were able to make your dream come true!
an amazing acquisition.
all the best,
barry

wrapperguy
10-06-2012, 07:35 AM
Well done! Great pick up!

Wite3
10-06-2012, 08:25 AM
Amazing piece!

Jantz
10-06-2012, 09:57 AM
Wow Mike!

What an amazing banner!

Congratulations!


Jantz

csusi
10-07-2012, 09:12 PM
My wife has Lifetime movies, I have Net54. What a story and what a piece.

Congrats Mike. Genuine excitement for ya.

LEHR
10-07-2012, 11:33 PM
As a Pirates fan myself, that is an awesome piece!

benchod
10-08-2012, 07:06 AM
Fantastic! congrats

Leon
10-08-2012, 09:36 AM
Now that is awesome!! Congrats Mike. I was 10 yrs old at the time and really like the Pirates of that time frame too, even though I was born and raised in Houston. What a great team those Pirates were.

David W
10-08-2012, 09:50 AM
A perfect spot to hang that would be if you have a basement, on the wall above the steps as you go downstairs.

There would be minimal light to fade it, and everyone would see it